Professional Documents
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BELIEF
Islam BULLETIN
World Religions
Official Name: Islam
Adherents: Worldwide: Estimated 1 billion; 69 percent live in South and Southeast Asia; 27 percent
in Africa; 4 percent other; United States: Estimated 5 to 8 million
2
the Holy Spirit conceived in Mary, without physical Witnessing to Muslims
relations, Jesus the Messiah. In this manner even the
1. Be courteous and loving.
Qur’an affirms the miraculous birth of Christ (see Surah
2. Reflect interest in their beliefs. Allow them time
19:16-21). Jesus was in this sense “God’s unique Son.”
to articulate their views.
During His earthly ministry He carried out the will of the
3. Be acquainted with their basic beliefs.
Father. Notably the Qur’an affirms Jesus’ supernatural
4. Be willing to examine passages of the Qur’an
birth, life of miracles, His compassion, and ascension to
concerning their beliefs.
heaven. (see Surah 19:16-21,29-31; 3:37-47, 5:110.)
5. Stick to the cardinal doctrines of the Christian
faith but also take time to respond to all sincere
How could Jesus have died on the cross, especially
questions.
if He’s God’s Son? The testimony of history and of the
6. Point out the centrality of the Person and work
Injil or the four Gospels is that Jesus died on the cross. If
of Jesus Christ for salvation.
it is understood that God is love, and that humankind is
7. Stress that because of Jesus, His cross, and
lost in sin, then is it not likely that God would have pro-
resurrection, one may have the full assurance
vided a sacrifice for sin? Jesus is God’s sacrifice for all
of salvation, both now and for eternity
the sins of the world and is a bridge from a holy God to
(see 1 John 5:13).
fallen and sinful humans.
8. Share the plan of salvation with the Muslim. Point
This truth is revealed in the Injil—John 3:16. Even
our that salvation is a gift and not to be earned.
the Qur’an states in Surah 3:55 that “Allah said: O Isa
9. Pray for the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Trust Him
[Jesus], I am going to terminate [to put to death] the
to provide wisdom and grace.
period of your stay (on earth) and cause you to ascend
10. Be willing to become a friend and a personal
unto Me.”1 What other way could this concept have
evangelist to Muslims.
any meaning apart from Jesus’ death for sin and His
subsequent resurrection?
1. The Holy Qur’an, translated by M.H. Shakir
Muslims believe that God took Jesus from the cross
(Elmhurst, N.Y.: Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an, Inc.).
and substituted Judas in His place, or at least someone
who looked like Jesus. He was then taken to heaven
Phil Roberts, President, Midwestern Baptist Theological
where He is alive and from where one day He will return.
Seminary
Answering Muslims’ Questions to Christians © 2000, 2001, North American Mission Board of the Southern
about Islam Baptist Convention, Alpharetta, Georgia
What do you think about the prophet Muhammad? All rights reserved. The North American Mission Board grants
Muhammad was apparently a well-meaning man who permission for reproduction of this publication for educational
sought to oppose paganism and evil in his day. While he purposes. Alteration of this publication is strictly prohibited.
succeeded in uniting the Arabian peninsula and upheld May not be sold for profit.
several important virtues, we do not believe he received a
fresh revelation from God. Jesus Christ fulfilled not only All other inquiries should be addressed to: Editorial and Design
the final prophetic role from God, but He is the Savior of Manager, North American Mission Board, 4200 North Point
Pkwy., Alpharetta, Ga. 30022-4176; or fax (770) 410-6006; or
the world and God the Son. While Islam believes that
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some Bible passages refer to Muhammad (see Deut.
18:18-19; John 14:16; 15:26; 16:7), that is clearly not For more information contact Interfaith Evangelism via e-mail
the meaning of the texts. Other passages may help in at interfaith@namb.net.
understanding and interpreting the previous texts
(see Matthew 21:11; Luke 24:19; John 6:14; 7:40; Acts http://www.namb.net/interfaith
1:8-16; 7:37).